But eating is only part of the annual Good Food Festival (formerly called FamilyFarmed Expo), an event promoting local food and its producers that officially kicks off March 14 with trade and industry events but gets into full swing for the public March 16 with a day of workshops, seminars, chef demonstrations, chances to shop for a CSA (community supported agriculture) and even a bus tour of Chicago's urban farms.

This year's highlights include a workshop by author and fermentation guru Sandor Katz, a foraging discussion with Iliana Regan of Elizabeth Restaurant, a sausage making seminar with Kim Leali of the Publican, a kimchi cook-off and chef demonstrations by Rick Bayless, Paul Virant and Carrie Nahabedian.

As in previous years the festival will feature a tiered pricing structure with a $10 admission ($15 on site) that gives visitors access to the chef demo stage, mini workshops, a food court and the main hall filled with dozens of exhibitors, from farmers and cheesemakers to beekeepers and natural food purveyors.